My Torbay My Torbay is changing to improve our digital services. Using your account, you will be able to do more with us when and where you want 24/7. Find out more about the benefits and how to sign up.

There is a high level of claims at present but you will likely receive a decision within 6 weeks. Please don’t contact us about a claim within that period.

Please note that our phone lines are currently open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am to 1pm

About the scheme

We have been allocated £2,470,714 by the Department of Work & Pensions. This is to support those hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis. The scheme will run from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

We can consider 2 applications during the scheme:

  • one application in the first 6 months - April to September
  • a second application - October to March

We will pay the money into your bank account. It does not need to be repaid.

Households in receipt of a Welfare Benefit can receive £150.

Households not in receipt of a Welfare Benefit can receive between £250 and £500. This depends on the size of your household.

Who can apply

To apply for Household Support, you must:

  • be over 16 years of age
  • live in Torbay
  • be on a welfare benefit/tax credit or have a disposable income of less than £50 per week

Awards will normally only be given to people liable for fuel costs. Exceptions do apply to people who are homeless.

How to apply

Choose the right claim form:

If you are in receipt of Universal Credit or any other means-tested benefit including Pension Credit or Tax Credit

  Apply here for the Household Support fund for households on welfare benefit


If you are not in receipt of any means-tested benefit or tax credit but have a disposable income of less than £50pw.

  Apply here for the Household Support fund for households not on welfare benefit

Supply your evidence

Please either:

Please make sure to include your name and address when supplying your evidence.

What happens next

We may call or email you to discuss your application or any supporting evidence we need.

We will check your application details against any benefits records held. This includes any details held by us, the DWP, or any verification services. We will investigate any discrepancies. We may also verify bank details using an approved external partner.

Please be aware of scammers. We will not call you about the Household Support Fund unless you have already made a claim.

Other support

The Welfare Support scheme helps people who are setting up a home for the first time.

If you get Council Tax Support you can claim extra help with your Council Tax.

Torbay Food Alliance can provide a range of support and advice, telephone: 01803 446022

Other support in Torbay provided by Household Support Funding

  • Food support through Family Hubs - £60,000
  • Essentials for things linked to energy costs and water for those in receipt of a disability benefit or children under 5 - £50,000
  • Provision of extra debt and benefit advice - £127,500
  • Care experienced support for young people - £46,000
  • Food banks - £150,000
  • Social supermarkets - £250,000
  • Baby banks - £40,000

More information and support can be found on the Government website